If you are just getting started as a professional actor, or if you are curious about whether acting might be a career for you, commercial auditions are a great way to look into it. In most respect, a commercial audition is just like any other open casting call, but there are some notable differences. First of all, they are for a much shorter term gig than auditioning for a play, television show, or movie. Shooting a commercial rarely takes more than a day, and can usually all be done on a sound stage, rarely requiring multiple sets or outdoor scenes.
More importantly, commercial auditions are more numerous and easier to get. Of course, your average commercial audition – just like any other type of audition – is looking for something very specific. They will want a certain age, gender, race, look, and/or personality type much of the time, and won't be open to anyone outside of that, no matter how well they act. If you are lucky enough to fit well in the categories they are looking for, however, you are in luck. You don't have to be a great actor to get a role in a commercial. The competition can be substantial, but it is nothing like in movies or theater.
That does not mean that you should not prepare for an audition for a commercial. Commercial auditions are serious, time-consuming affairs, so you should put in the effort to really be prepared for what you are getting in to. Research what they are looking for and give it to them. Be presentable and be professional. Understand that the whole auditioning process can take hours, and that there is no point in going if you are not going to take it seriously.
Another important rule about commercial auditions is not to go if you do not have what they are looking for. There are open casting calls for commercials being posted all the time, so don't feel like you have to jump on every long shot role that comes along. If you do not have a good chance of getting a role, don't waste your time or the director's time. Do something more productive. Wait for a chance to come along that seems more likely. If you are really serious about being in a commercial, something is bound to come around eventually. Just stick with it, and you will surely land a role.
